Portland, Maine-based MaineHealth again defended its use of a Palantir product, saying the tool helps patients overturn improper insurance claim denials.
The health system said in an Aug. 25 news release shared with Becker’s that prior authorization requirements and claim denials have grown significantly in recent years, delaying care and straining patients and clinicians. MaineHealth said it works with Palantir to identify patterns in denials and compare them against insurers’ own policies, helping the health system challenge inappropriate denials more quickly on patients’ behalf.
The tool has helped overturn improper coverage denials for thousands of MaineHealth patients seeking medically necessary care, according to the health system. MaineHealth said Palantir’s role is limited to that function, is not involved in clinical decisions and does not give the company ownership or control of MaineHealth data. All data is handled under federal privacy law, including HIPAA, and remains under MaineHealth’s oversight, the health system said.
The statement came ahead of nationwide protests against Palantir planned by National Nurses United for Aug. 27 in eight cities, including Portland. The union, which represents more than 225,000 registered nurses, is calling on hospitals and elected officials to cut ties with Palantir over its work with immigration enforcement agencies.
MaineHealth said it will continue evaluating AI products as the technology evolves, with patient and caregiver needs guiding its decisions.
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